Chippa United star excited about playing alongside Rakhale

Rakhale joined United as part of a swap deal that saw defenders Diamond Thobola and Phetso Maphanga move in the opposite direction as confirmed last week.

And ex-Buccaneer Mayambela believes the signing of Rakhale, who is reported to have signed a two-year deal with the Chilli Boys, will add great value to the Port Elizabeth club.

“Firstly I would like to thank the chairman and the coach for bringing in a quality player like Rakhale,” Mayambela tells our source.

“Everyone knows the talent Rakhale possesses and he’ll definitely add value to the club. He is a great player and a fan-favourite, and has come to the right place in Port Elizabeth where the fans will love him.

“Coming from a big club and going to a so-called ‘small team’ might be a little bit a challenge, but the sooner he adjusts, the better. He is not only bringing in his talent, but also experience which I think will also benefit a lot of youngsters here at the club.”

Local fans are already licking their lips in anticipation of the possible combination between Rakhale and Mayambela in the new year, yet the latter insists the team must come first in all aspects.

“It’s not about individuals, but the team,” Mayambela says. “It’s not about Mark or Thabo, but about all the 11 players on the field representing the badge of the club.

“It’s about teamwork and not individual combinations. There will be times when I am not on the field, and Thabo is on the field, and times when I will be on the field and Thabo is not. It’s no guarantee the coach will play both of us on the field because we are also fighting for positions with other players in the team.

“But as I said before, Rakhale is a great player and wearing the same jersey and playing together will be a great feeling.”

Rakhale will look to get his first taste of action for his new club when they take on AmaZulu in their first game of 2018, set for Sunday, 7 January.